Psalm 52
Words: Brady and Tate, A New Version of the Psalms of David
1 In vain, O man of lawless might,
thou boast'st thyself in ill;
Since God, the God in Whom I trust,
vouchsafes his favor still.
2 Thy wicked tongue doth sland'rous tales
maliciously devise;
And, sharper than a razor set,
it wounds with treach'rous lies.
3,4 Thy thoughts are more on ill than good,
on lies than truth employed;
Thy tongue delights in words, by which
the guiltless axe destroyed.
5 God shall for ever blast thy hopes,
and snatch thee soon away;
Nor in thy dwelling-place permit,
nor in the world to stay.
6 The just, with pious fear, shall see
the downfall of thy pride;
And at thy sudden ruin laugh,
and thus thy fall deride:
7 "See there the man that haughty was,
who proudly God defied,
"Who trusted in his wealth, and still
on wicked arts relied."
8 But I am like those olive plants
that shade God's temple round;
And hope with his indulgent grace
to be for ever crowned.
9 So shall my soul with praise, O God,
extol thy wondrous love;
And on thy Name with patience wait;
for this thy saints approve.
